Enrollment in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Siaya County, averaged 30 per cent despite thousands of youths lacking work skills.
The County Director for Vocational Training and Early Childhood Development (ECD), Ms Dorothy Otieno, called for concerted effort from parents, guardians, administrators and politicians, to encourage the youth to enroll for skilled courses.
The Director said lack of technical skills has increased the level of unemployment among the youth annually.
Ms Otieno said many youths preferred to join the business of motorcycle taxi, because of the allure for quick money, instead of enrolling in technical institutes.
She was speaking during the distribution of technical training equipment to various VTCs in the County. The assorted equipment for diverse courses were bought by the County Government of Siaya.
In the 2020/2021 Budget, the County Government allocated Sh 48 million to equip VTCs and for the construction of administration offices, workshops, fencing and putting up toilets.
The equipment bought were for tailoring, carpentry and joinery, plumbing, masonry, food and beverage, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, and ICT.
The Member of the MCA’s for South East Alego and West Alego, Joseph Mboha and Jude Okumu, respectively. They said that has created an acute shortage of technical skills in the County, forcing contractors to source for most artisans from the neighboring counties.
They said the youth who chose not to join motorcycle taxi business, remained idle expecting to find salaried employment.
By Paul Olale
